Richard J Beisel

Surrounded by family and a lot of love, Richard Beisel, 90, passed peacefully on October 30, 2026, in Port Richey, Florida.

Richard’s humble beginnings in hardscrabble Pittsburgh helped shape his life and his character. Born at home during The Great Pittsburgh Flood of 1936, the family doctor had to arrive by row boat for the birth. A strong German/Irish-American family heritage instilled values and morals that would stay with Richard throughout his lifetime. God, family, education, hard work, humility, integrity, honesty, community service, and love of country were the foundation by which Richard lived his life and would pass down to his children. Pittsburgh, known for its friendly and genuine people, made a tremendous impression on Richard, who lived there for over 70 years before moving to Florida. He was also always quick with a compliment, a smile, a thoughtful gesture, or a happy “hello” and wave. Richard’s endless funny puns and jokes showed his incredible sense of humor.

Richard graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, and used his business acumen during his successful 40-year career in finance and banking. Proving you are “never too old to learn,” Richard decided to go to law school at the age of 46. Earning the nickname “Gramps” from his law school peers, some of whom were half his age, Richard earned his Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University after four years of night school, all while maintaining his full-time job and family life.

For an incredible 65 years, Richard was married to his wife, Barbara, the absolute love of his life. Together they raised two children, Brian and Chanin, and have five grandchildren. Brian and his wife Beth, of Farmington, Connecticut, have three children (Sara, Katherine, and Jack), and Chanin and her husband John, of Tega Cay, South Carolina, have two children (Richard and Joseph). Simply put, Richard’s family meant the world to him.

Always one to serve his community, Richard was very active helping people through his vast volunteer work and membership on numerous local boards and councils. Most recently, he worked for many years alongside his wife dedicating countless hours serving the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church in Port Richey.

Richard was a sports enthusiast, and in his prime was an avid runner, racquetball player, and golfer. As a Pittsburgh native, he obviously loved the Penguins, Pirates, and most-especially the Steelers, with whom he was a decades-long season ticket holder.

Besides his wife and immediate family, Richard is survived by his loving sister, Elizabeth Beisel, of Pittsburgh, his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents (Myrtle and Milerd) and two brothers (Eugene and Harold), whom we know he’s joyfully reunited with in Heaven.

As we say goodbye to Richard, until we see him again, he will be remembered as a kind, compassionate, and big-hearted person. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

A memorial Mass will be held in the Chapel of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, Port Richey, on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

The family would like to extend its sincere gratitude to everyone at Gulfside Hospice their special care. If you would like to make a donation in Richard’s name, kindly send to: Saint Vincent de Paul Society c/o Saint James the Apostle Catholic Church, 8400 Monarch Drive, Port Richey, FL 34668. If you would like to send flowers for the Mass, please send to: St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, 8400 Monarch Drive, Port Richey, FL 34668 (delivered to the Chapel).